Lodwar – March 13, 2026 (Public Communication and Media Relations)
Turkana County has intensified efforts to strengthen Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) through strategic partnerships between the County and National Governments, development partners, and financial institutions.
Speaking during the 5th MSMEs Connect Turkana Dialogue Forum, Deputy Governor Dr. John Erus emphasized the importance of collaborative platforms in unlocking the county’s economic potential. He said the forum provides a critical opportunity to identify and develop Turkana’s untapped value chains, particularly in fisheries along Lake Turkana, as well as in agriculture and the hides and skins sector.
Dr. Erus noted that strengthening these sectors would create new opportunities for local entrepreneurs and expand livelihood options across the county. “Such dialogue forums are significant in unlocking Turkana’s untapped value chains, especially in fishing along Lake Turkana, agriculture, and the hides and skins industry,” he said, adding that stronger partnerships between the County and National Governments will help position Turkana as a competitive economic region.
The Deputy Governor further stated that Turkana remains strategically positioned to grow into a major business hub in Kenya due to its vast natural resources and emerging markets. “With continued support from the National Government, businesses in Turkana can scale up and compete even at the international level,” Dr. Erus said.
He also applauded the State Department for linking MSMEs to affordable financing opportunities to enable entrepreneurs to expand their enterprises. Dr. Erus revealed that the County Government is exploring plans to facilitate the registration of refugees to obtain identification documents, a move he said will allow refugee traders to access government services and participate fully in economic activities.
Turkana County Commissioner Julius Kavita said the National Government has rolled out several programmes aimed at empowering MSMEs across the country. He encouraged local entrepreneurs to take advantage of the available opportunities, noting that security agencies have strengthened measures in previously insecure areas of the county to create a safe and conducive environment for trade.
Director of the Uwezo Fund, Flora Kiprop, confirmed that the fund has significantly supported grassroots entrepreneurship in Turkana. “So far, KSh 180.872 million has been injected into Turkana’s economy through small loans issued to various women’s groups, enabling them to start and expand income-generating activities,” she said.
Representing MSMEs, Ali Jamah raised concerns over persistent challenges affecting traders in the county. He cited limited market linkages, the presence of middlemen and brokers, and what he termed as “double taxation” by both the National and County Governments as major obstacles that continue to hinder the growth of small businesses.
The dialogue forum was also attended by James Longole Wangiros, CECM for Trade, Gender, and Tourism; Roseline Aite, CECM for Finance and Economic Planning; County Chief Officer for Trade and Enterprises Pauline Tangarae; Cabinet Secretary’s Advisor Roseline Mwaura; Dr. Caroline Kauwa, Director of the Micro and Small Enterprises Authority; and representatives of financial institutions, MSMEs, and the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry – Turkana Chapter.
